Murray did achieve the distinction of
breaking Federer’s service for the first time after 66 winning games,
dating back to the semi-finals of his previous tournament in Rotterdam.

But after levelling the second set at 3-3 with that break, he did not look capable of enforcing a third set.

Murray’s first serve deserted him — a
strike rate of 48 per cent never allowing him to establish any quick
service games. He also committed far too many unforced errors on his
backhand, usually a weapon of strength in his armoury.

Perhaps his only chance of applying
any pressure on Federer vanished after he failed to capitalise on either
of the two break points he had to take a 4-2 lead in the first set.

A loose backhand cost him the first and the second went begging when he drilled a forehand into the net.

Job done: Federer celebrates his fifth title in Dubai after beating Murray

Men playing with unsmiling eyes for
high stakes on the turn of a card at the tables in Las Vegas have been
known to reveal more emotion than Federer showed.

He was in robotic mode and programmed to treat profit and loss without so much as a raised eyebrow.

Federer has never been slow to bait Murray in the past for his lack of ambition.

He is also mindful that Murray is one
of the few players with a winning record over him — this victory in the
desert reducing Murray’s match lead to 8-7.

Since he squandered two match points
against Djokovic in the semi-finals of the US Open in September, Federer
has won tournaments in Basel, Paris, London, Rotterdam and now Dubai.

His only loss occurred against Rafael
Nadal in the semi-finals of the Australian Open five weeks ago; and
thereby hangs the tale for Federer.

Eyes on the prize: The British No 1 earned his place in the final after seeing off Djokovic in the last four

No matter how professionally
agreeable it is to win at tour stops around the world, the only prizes
that Federer truthfully covets are the major championships.

He won his last major — the
Australian Open —more than two years ago; and it is legitimate to ask if
he will ever win another. Only two players in the past 30 years have
won majors after their 30th birthday, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi,
who each won twice after what is deemed to be pensionable age for a top
tennis player.

With Nadal having such a hold on the French Open, Federer will surely focus his attention on Wimbledon.

He will interpret the fact that the
Olympic tennis event is being played at the All England Club as giving
him two opportunities to add significant trophies to those he has
already acquired.

Without doubt, Murray will be harbouring the same ambition.

Net gains: Murray came into Saturday's final with an 8-6 record over Federer

He was not outwardly downcast, as he summarised his time in the desert.

‘It’s been a good week,’ he said.
‘I’ve had a couple of good wins against Tomas Berdych and Novak. It was
always going to be a tough challenge against Roger.

‘He got the better of the match and
deserved to win. I was very happy to reach the final, but, obviously, I
would have liked to have gone one better.’

In the summer of 2010, Murray managed
to defeat Nadal and Federer in consecutive matches to win a
prestigious tournament in Toronto.

Bird's eye view: Murray takes on Federer in front of a capacity crowd in Dubai

But Federer’s sense of purpose, and
his game plan — to keep the British No 1 off balance — meant Murray
never really threatened him in a country where the former world No 1 has
a luxurious winter retreat to share with his wife, Mirka, and their
twin daughters, Charlene and Myla.

A calm, unflustered demeanour adds to Federer’s aura.

His coach, Paul Annacone, who once
worked for the LTA having previously been successful with Pete Sampras,
said: ‘It’s really like Roger is at a cocktail party. He just enjoys
every part of a tournament.’